Chapter One Hundred and Three: One Against Four

After returning to the dormitory, I took a quick shower and headed straight for the Hall of Discernment.

This hall was where the inner disciples and core disciples attended their theory classes. Every landscape on Tianyang Mountain was unique, and each building, too, had its own distinct character.

Just like that, I spent the entire morning in class. Although I learned much that was new to me, a sense of boredom lingered.

Once class was over, I planned to visit the Elder at noon for some inquiries.

I ate lunch alone in the dining hall, then made my way to the Elder’s residence. I still remembered the route, so I found the place quickly without needing a map.

At that moment, the Elder was practicing swordplay in the courtyard. Seeing me approach, he opened the gate himself.

“What’s the matter? Didn’t you have class? You still have time to visit me?” he asked.

I smiled gently and replied, “Class is over. I’ve come to ask you about something.”

The Elder settled onto a bench and invited me to speak my mind. I didn’t hold anything back and said, “I’d like to ask about the treasures hidden on Tianyang Mountain.”

He paused with his teacup halfway to his lips, stared at me for a few seconds, then burst into hearty laughter.

“Hahaha! So, you’re here just for that treasure, aren’t you?”

Seeing there was nothing to hide, I nodded in admission.

“Well, I can’t figure you out. In the renowned Tianyang Mountain, you’re here for a single treasure?”

I pleaded, “Please tell me, Elder.”

He thought for a moment and said, “I’ve only heard rumors. They say the sudden appearance of the treasure was near Giant Wolf Mountain. But the terrain there is perilous, and wild beasts roam aplenty. It won’t be easy for you.”

Knowing the general location was enough for me; the rest I could prepare for later.

“Alright, I understand,” I said.

The Elder nodded and tossed something from his ring to me.

When I took it in my hand, I saw it was a thin layer of silver armor, almost like paper.

“Don’t be deceived by its thinness. It could save your life. This is called Silverleaf Armor. It fits easily to the body and can withstand damage—very useful.”

I glanced at the silver armor, stored it in my ring, thanked the Elder, and departed.

I hurried back to the dormitory and wore the silver armor as the innermost layer.

This item was truly miraculous. Though it looked rigid, wearing it felt like a layer of paper; I hardly sensed it at all.

I dressed properly and rushed to the Hall of Discernment for the afternoon classes.

Throughout the afternoon, my thoughts kept circling—Giant Wolf Mountain was so dangerous, it must surely be the token of the Ghost King.

Besides, it seemed only the Second Uncle knew about it. Naturally, I couldn’t let slip a word; otherwise, all would be lost.

As my mind drifted toward sleep, finally the day’s classes ended.

I walked down the stairs at a slow pace, my mind blank.

Wherever I passed, I caused a stir—like a celebrity, surrounded by admirers.

Barely managing to squeeze through the crowd, I hurried toward my dormitory.

That evening, I wasn’t hungry. I planned to get a good sleep first, then head to Giant Wolf Mountain later to scout out the situation.

After changing clothes, I lay on my bed and fell asleep.

It was a restful sleep; when I opened my eyes again, it was already past nine o’clock.

Peering out the window, I saw only a few dim lights on the plaza and hardly any people.

I changed clothes and prepared to go downstairs.

The cold night air was invigorating, clearing my dizziness.

Holding the map in my hand, I slowly made my way toward Giant Wolf Mountain. Yet, I felt I was being followed—by more than one person.

I sighed quietly; it seemed the inevitable had arrived.

Yesterday’s legendary battle had brought admiration but also envy, so I had always been on guard.

I deliberately altered my route, heading for a side path.

With no lights and a gloomy environment on the side path, I naturally held the advantage.

The spiritual energy from those following was no small matter—the strongest had reached the third grade of Spirit Flower. Although their cultivation wasn’t as high as mine, their numbers were significant—five or six in total.

I led them onto a small bridge. No longer wishing to pretend, I suddenly turned around.

Seeing me turn, the group trailing me froze, thinking their footsteps inaudible. Yet, I had noticed them all.

It turned out I was mistaken—there were only four. But all four were fourth grade Spirit Flower cultivators.

“Who are you?” I asked softly, my hand already gripping the Snow Blade behind my back.

“Are you Lin Yao?” one of the younger men stepped forward and asked.

I nodded, saying nothing.

“I hear you’re pretty impressive? Used connections to get into the core disciples? We brothers have been trying for years and still haven’t made it.”

I had no time for their nonsense. I asked curtly, “What do you want? If you don’t speak, I’ll leave.”

“Leave? You won’t be leaving tonight!”

With that, they drew their weapons and attacked.

I brought out the Snow Blade in a reverse grip, and with a single stroke forced back the first one to rush me.

I truly didn’t know why they had targeted me—was it simply because I had entered through connections? That made no sense.

But there was no reasoning with them now; I could only fight and win.

Clearly, these men were seasoned fighters, their moves aiming for lethal points—intent on killing me.

I didn’t hold back. While channeling the Winged Shadow Blade technique, I began to weave my fingers in preparation.

The bridge only allowed two abreast, so the four attackers struck at me in waves.

Seizing the moment when one was forced back, I unleashed the Thunderbolt Technique I had been holding in my hand.

He had no time to react, and my Thunderbolt pierced a huge hole through him.

I kicked him off the bridge and engaged the next opponent.

In this way, they were like foolish children rushing one after another into danger.

They soon realized the flaw. One remained to confront me head-on, while the other two circled behind.

Now I was caught in a pincer, but I wasn’t worried. As long as I cleared one side, the fight would become manageable again.

The man before me wielded a long spear, nearly two meters in length, and his spear technique was extraordinary.

Though his cultivation was lower than mine, he was truly troublesome.

My Winged Shadow Blade technique unconsciously advanced to the sixth form, and the blue energy blade began to manifest.

But I couldn’t forget the two behind me. Seeing me gain the upper hand, they prepared to ambush.

I knew well that I couldn’t stop the blade technique—even a momentary pause could cost me the fight tonight.

Just then, the two behind me finally acted, each hurling a throwing knife.

With my keen senses, I dodged, and when they failed to hit me, they abandoned their hidden weapons and swung their blades directly.

Suddenly, I was at a loss. The bridge was cramped, so I drew a long sword from my ring.